Register your child for free meals at school

Now is the time to register your child for free school meals in Hertfordshire.

Since September 2014, all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 have been entitled to free school meals in the county.

To officially claim a meal, Hertfordshire County Council is asking all parents/carers who have a child in reception, year 1 or year 2 to register using their simple online form at www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals.

Once registered, the individual school is then able to claim back a certain amount of money for qualifying applicants from central government to cover the costs, not only of the meals, but for other educational resources such as books, IT equipment and even school trips.

Registering could also help raise money for your child’s school.

The county council is asking for information about you and your child, so schools can provide children with the best education and support by making sure they’re receiving all the Government funding it is entitled.

Since the online registration form went live on July 21 2015, more than 2,500 parents have registered their children for their free school meals.

The council says this is great progress, but there’s so much more your child’s school could be claiming for.

So far, Hertfordshire schools have claimed more than £2 million worth of funding back from the Government from approximately 500 successful applicants to date.

Register your child at www.hertsdirect.org/freeschool meals as soon as possible.

It’s quick, easy and will ensure your school receives the funding it is entitled to.

Council cabinet member for enterprise, education and skills David Williams said: “School meals are nutritionally balanced and great fuel for healthy minds and bodies.

“I’d urge parents and carers to take up the offer of a free school meal and also register their child online today so their school can claim the funds available to them from central government.”